Assessment and maintenance of wheel bearings are essential parts of any heavy-duty fleet's inspection checklist. A truck's wheel bearings are part of a system known as the "wheel-end." Altogether, the components of the wheel-end are responsible for keeping a truck's wheels properly and firmly oriented on the ground. Understanding why components in this system (including the wheel bearings) fail is vital, as wheel-end failure can lead to everything from premature tire wear to wheel fires. Routine inspections are necessary to prevent catastrophic failures, and problems must be repaired as soon as they are discovered.

The Causes of Wheel-End Failure

Wheel-end systems on heavy-duty trucks tend to be more reliable than typical passenger car wheel hubs and bearings. Depending on the particular type of wheel-end system , regular inspection and adjustment may be required to prevent wobble and maintain proper tolerances. Improperly adjusted bearings are more than just an annoyance, however. Relatively small amounts of play in a wheel-end system can result in premature tire failure or wheel seal failure. Once the seal fails, dirt and grime can enter the bearing assembly and rapidly cause a loss of lubrication, ultimately resulting in a complete breakdown of the bearing or wheel-end system.

The Symptoms of a Failing Bearing or Wheel-End System

Wheel-end systems often do not cause significant drivability issues before they have begun to fail. For this reason, it is vital to fleet maintenance technicians to focus on discovering wheel-end adjustment issues before they can cause failures. A wheel-end that is out of adjustment is likely to cause uneven tire wear or noise and vibration, although the severity of these symptoms can vary significantly. As the bearing fails, you may notice smoke or a noticeable amount of heat from the affected wheel. In extreme cases, the amount of friction generated by a failed bearing can start a fire.

The Solutions for Bad Bearing

Bearing issues identified on trucks in your fleet require immediate repair. Not only will this save you from more costly repairs in the future, but it can also save your drivers from potentially catastrophic consequences on the road. The proper fix for a bearing problem depends heavily on the underlying cause and the severity of the issue. An out-of-alignment adjustable or pre-adjusted wheel-end system can usually be brought back into alignment if there is no additional damage. Leaking wheel seals can often be replaced, and the bearings repacked with grease if necessary.

If you need truck repairs, you can contact services like King George Truck & Tire Center. However, for packaged wheel-end systems, it is usually not possible to replace or adjust individual components. The only option repair option for systems of this type is a complete replacement. Auto technicians will help you know if your truck qualifies for repairs or replacements.